The UK government is preparing to release a review of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder services that is expected to recommend a significant shift in how the NHS approaches patient diagnosis and treatment. The review, led by clinical psychologist Prof Peter Fonagy at University College London, was commissioned in December by the then health secretary Wes Streeting, responding to concerns about rising sickness benefit claims linked to mental health, autism, and ADHD diagnoses.
Under the proposed “needs-based” system, the NHS would prioritize formal diagnoses for patients most acutely affected by ADHD, including those at risk of self-harm or unable to work. Less severely affected individuals would receive support through holistic needs assessments without necessarily obtaining a formal diagnosis. The review suggests this approach could include targeted interventions such as one-to-one classroom support for children, dedicated quiet spaces in schools, parenting classes, and workplace accommodations like flexible hours. Only patients likely to benefit from medication or other treatments requiring a diagnosis would be referred to NHS clinics.
The proposal has sparked significant opposition from mental health organizations. Current NHS waiting lists contain approximately 800,000 patients awaiting ADHD assessment, and complaints about autism and ADHD services in England have increased more than threefold over five years. Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, characterized the proposals as introducing rationing into healthcare services. He argued that ADHD diagnosis itself already requires evidence of substantial functional impairment, and that without formal diagnoses, individuals would lack clear documentation to secure necessary support from schools and employers.
Organizations including the National Autistic Society and the Centre for Mental Health have raised concerns about potential inequalities and access to care. They note that schools and workplaces already possess the ability to provide early support without formal diagnoses, questioning whether the new framework would meaningfully expand available assistance. The final report is expected to propose comparable holistic approaches for supporting people with autism and mental health conditions more broadly.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI